The Embassy of Bangladesh in Stockholm takes immense pride that the historic 7th March Speech of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been included in the “Memory of the World International Register”, a list of World’s important documentary heritage maintained by UNESCO. The decision was announced by Ms. Irina Bokova, the immediate past Director General of UNESCO, on 30 October 2017. The objective of creating the World International Register is to ensure the preservation of and access to documentary heritage in various parts of the world.

Hon´ble Foreign Minister of the Government of Bangladesh Mr. Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali MP, in a joyous reaction, said “The world will now get to know more about our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and our glorious Liberation War”. He also added“The 7th March speech of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman provided inspiration to the Bengali people in their quest for freedom and emancipation. The speech also energized the entire nation and prepared the people for the forthcoming Liberation struggle. It also served as the ultimate source of inspiration for the countless freedom fighters who joined the Mukti Bahini. Bangabandhu’s speech is played throughout the country during the various national occasions and continues to reverberate in hearts and minds of the Bengali people. This speech continues to enthrall our people and will continue to inspire succeeding generations”.

The Historic 7th March Speech was delivered by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 7th March 1971, who led the people of Bangladesh to independence in 1971. The speech was fully extempore and there was no written script. The speech came in the wake of Pakistan military junta´s refusal of transferring the power to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman-led Awami League despite gaining a majority in the National Assembly elections of Pakistan in 1970.